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To the surprise of many, the Tampa Bay Rays are the lone team to remain undefeated in 2023. Despite this impressive 6-0 start that has not been done since 2016, fans are relatively unimpressed. The reason their record is not getting them the instant respect that it would normally come with is due to their opposition.
The Rays have secured series sweeps against the Detroit Tigers and Washington Nationals. The Rays can only play who they are scheduled to play, but it is easy to understand why the record is being disrespected. The Tigers and Nationals are a very, very long way from being considered competitive teams. Both are expected to finish well below .500, likely at the bottom of their divisions.
The MLB shared the closing moments of the Tampa Bay Rays' most recent win and acknowledged their hot start on Twitter.
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The Tampa Bay Rays did not just beat the Nationals and Tigers three times each, they dominated them. The games were rarely close and always ended with the Rays firmly in control. This opening to the season is very unexpected from the American League East leaders, who were supposed to be the third-placed team in the division.
Fans can argue against how great a team is based on their strength of schedule, but at the end of the day, the Rays are 6-0. Being able to win six straight games at any point in the MLB season is an impressive feat, let alone to start the season. This has undoubtedly given the Tampa Bay Rays confidence they will carry for the foreseeable future.
The Rays have been lauded for their stellar pitching coming into the season, which has lived up to expectations so far. While the opposition may be among the worst in the league, they still won the games they needed. Unfortunately, like Rodney Dangerfield, they get no respect for it, no respect at all.
The Rays could not have gotten 2023 off to a better start and they will have to keep building on their success.
Can the Tampa Bay Rays win the American League East?
The Rays' ability to win games and battle for a playoff spot while being on a smaller payroll is extremely impressive. Based on very early results, the Rays will be battling with the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays for the AL East crown all season.
